1 SAMUEL 5

DAGON DESTROYED + THE PHILISTINES AFFLICTED

The Philistines do not worship God and instead worship a god called Dagon. After taking the ark of the covenant from the Israelites in battle they dishonor the ark by placing it within the shrine to Dagon.

After placing the ark in the house of Dagon, the Philistines see that Dagon had fallen face down, bowing before the ark of God. The following day, the Philistines see that the head and hands of Dagon have been cut off and removed. God is showing the Philistines that their “god” is powerless against Him. The Philistines are terrified by this and become afflicted with boils and tumors. The Philistines do not turn to God, but they do recognize Him as the source of their afflictions.